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Firth LB, Foggo A, Watts T, Knights AM, deAmicis S. Invasive macroalgae in native seagrass beds: vectors of spread and impacts. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2024; 133:41-50. [PMID: 37787519 PMCID: PMC10921828 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Worldwide, invasive species are spreading through marine systems at an unprecedented rate with both positive and negative consequences for ecosystems and the biological functioning of organisms. Human activities from shipping to habitat damage and modification are known vectors of spread, although biological interactions including epibiosis are increasingly recognized as potentially important to introduction into susceptible habitats. METHODS We assessed a novel mechanism of spread - limpets as transporters of an invasive alga, Sargassum muticum, into beds of the seagrass Zostera marina - and the physiological impact of its invasion. The association of S. muticum with three limpet species and other habitats was assessed using intertidal surveys on rocky shores and snorkelling at two seagrass sites in the UK. A 4-year field study tested the effect of S. muticum on Z. marina shoot density, dry weight and phenolic compounds (caffeic and tannic acid) content, and a laboratory experiment tested the impact of S. muticum on nutrient partitioning (C/H/N/P/Si), photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) and growth of Z. marina. RESULTS On rocky shores 15 % of S. muticum occurrences were attached to the shells of live limpets. In seagrass beds 5 % of S. muticum occurrences were attached to the shells of dead limpets. The remainder were attached to rock, to cobblestones, to the seagrass matrix or embedded within the sand. Z. marina density and phenolics content was lower when S. muticum co-occurred with it. Over 3 years, photosynthetic responses of Z. marina to S. muticum were idiosyncratic, and S. muticum had no effect on nutrient partitioning in Z. marina. CONCLUSIONS Our results show limpets support S. muticum as an epibiont and may act as a previously unreported transport mechanism introducing invaders into sensitive habitats. S. muticum reduced production of phenolics in Z. marina, which may weaken its defensive capabilities and facilitate proliferation of S. muticum. The effect of S. muticum on Z. marina photosynthesis requires further work but having no effect on the capacity of Z. marina to sequester nutrients suggests a degree of resilience to this invader.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Andy Foggo
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Thomas Watts
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Antony M Knights
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Stacey deAmicis
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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Aguilar S, Moore PJ, Uribe RA. Habitat formed by the invasive macroalga Caulerpa filiformis (Suhr) Hering (Caulerpales, Chlorophyta) alters benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in Peru. Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02847-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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3
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Atalah J, Davidson IC, Thoene M, Georgiades E, Hutson KS. Evaluating Importation of Aquatic Ornamental Species for Biosecurity Purposes. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.804160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aquatic ornamental species (AOS) trade is a significant pathway for the introduction and establishment of non-indigenous species into aquatic environments. The likelihood of such occurrences is expected to increase worldwide as industry growth continues and warmer conditions emerge under future climate scenarios. This study used recent (2015 – 2019) New Zealand importation data to determine the composition, diversity, abundance, and arrival frequency of AOS. Our analysis revealed that ca. 300,000 aquatic ornamental individuals are imported annually to New Zealand, with freshwater fish comprising 98% of import quantities. Despite the relatively small market size, the estimated AOS diversity of 865 taxa (89 and 9.5% identified to species and genus level, respectively) is comparable to larger markets with ∼60% of taxa being of marine origin. Species (n = 20) for further investigation were prioritized based on quantity and frequency of import. These prioritized AOS were exclusively tropical and subtropical freshwater fish and align with the most frequently imported AOS globally, including the top three: neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi), guppy (Poecilia reticulata), and tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona). Species distribution modeling of the 20 prioritized AOS predicted that 13 species are suitable for New Zealand’s current climate conditions, most notably sucker-belly loach (Pseudogastromyzon myersi), white cloud mountain minnow (Tanichthys albonubes), and golden otocinclus (Macrotocinclus affinis). Potential changes in habitat suitability were predicted under future climate scenarios, with largest increases (29%) for Po. reticulata. The described approach provides an adaptable framework to assess establishment likelihood of imported AOS to inform regulatory decision making.
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4
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The joint influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the invasion of two alien caulerpae in northwestern Mediterranean. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02654-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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5
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Alexandre A, Santos R. High Nitrogen and Phosphorous Acquisition by Belowground Parts of Caulerpa prolifera (Chlorophyta) Contribute to the Species' Rapid Spread in Ria Formosa Lagoon, Southern Portugal. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2020; 56:608-617. [PMID: 32175590 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite worldwide proliferation of the genus Caulerpa and subsequent effects on benthic communities, little is known about the nutritional physiology of the Caulerpales. Here, we investigated the uptake rates of ammonium, nitrate, amino acids, and phosphate through the fronds and rhizoids + stolon, the internal translocation of nitrogen, and developed a nitrogen budget for the rapidly spreading Caulerpa prolifera in Ria Formosa lagoon, southern Portugal. Caulerpa prolifera acquired nutrients by both aboveground and belowground parts at similar rates, except nitrate, for which fronds showed 2-fold higher uptake rates. Ammonium was the preferential nitrogen source (81% of the total nitrogen acquisition), and amino acids, which accounted for a significant fraction of total N acquisition (19%), were taken up at faster rates than nitrate. Basipetal translocation of 15 N incorporated as ammonium was nearly 3-fold higher than acropetal translocation, whereas 15 N translocation as nitrate and amino acids was smaller but equal in either direction. The estimated total nitrogen acquisition by C. prolifera was 689 μmol · m-2 · h-1 , whereas the total nitrogen requirement for growth was 672 μmol · m-2 · h-1 . The uptake of ammonium and amino acids by belowground parts accounted for the larger fraction of the total nitrogen acquisition of C. prolifera and is sufficient to satisfy the species nitrogen requirements for growth. This may be one reason explaining the fast spreading of the seaweed in the bare sediments of Ria Formosa where it does not have any macrophyte competitors and the concentration of nutrients is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alexandre
- Marine Plant Ecology Research Group, CCMAR, Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rui Santos
- Marine Plant Ecology Research Group, CCMAR, Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
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6
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Are the ecological effects of the "worst" marine invasive species linked with scientific and media attention? PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215691. [PMID: 30998797 PMCID: PMC6472817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-native species are a major driver of environmental change. In this study we assessed the ecological impact of the “worst” non-native species and the associated scientific and media publications through time to understand what influences interest in these species. Ecological effect was based on a qualitative assessment reported in research publications and additional searches of the scientific and media attention were conducted to determine published articles and assess attention. We did not detect a relationship between the number of publications for a non-native species and the magnitude of the ecological effects of that species or the number of citations. Media coverage on non-native species was low, only evident for less than 50% of the non-native species assessed. Media coverage was initially related to the number of scientific publications, but was short-lived. In contrast, the attention to individual non-native species in the scientific literature was sustained through time and often continued to increase over time. Time between detection of the non-native species and the scientific/media attention were reduced with each successive introduction to a new geographic location. Tracking publications on non-native species indicated that media attention does seem to be associated with the production of scientific research while scientific attention was not related to the magnitude of the ecological effects.
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7
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Voerman SE, Glasby TM, Gladstone W, Gribben PE. Habitat associations of an expanding native alga. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 131:205-214. [PMID: 29021082 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
There are many examples of native macrophytes becoming locally dominant and spreading outside their traditional distributions, but the causes and impacts are often not understood. In New South Wales, Australia, the green alga Caulerpa filiformis is undergoing a range expansion and has transitioned from a subdominant to a dominant alga on several rocky shores around the Sydney coastline. Here we investigated relationships between established patches of C. filiformis, the habitat it occupies and associated algal communities at multiple subtidal sites over the green alga's 700 km range. We tested the following predictions: 1) C. filiformis cover differs among substrata, being greatest on turf-forming algae; 2) C. filiformis cover is positively related to environmental variables linked to increased sedimentation (e.g. reduced reef width, surface slope, increased rugosity and distance from shore); 3) occurrence of C. filiformis is associated with a change in macrophyte community structure and a reduction of macrophyte richness; 4) intact native algal canopies inhibit C. filiformis spread, but turf-forming algae and bare sand are susceptible to invasion. Substratum associations were highly consistent among sites, but contrary to our prediction, C. filiformis was most commonly associated with rock or rock + sand substratum and less frequently associated with turf-forming algae substratum. C. filiformis cover was negatively correlated with reef width, which explained most of the variation observed, although local scale variables distance from shore, reef slope, and water depth were also correlated with C. filiformis cover. Algal diversity and community composition typically differed in the presence of C. filiformis, often with a reduction of algal abundances, in particular Sargassum spp., although results varied among substrata and sites. However, monitoring of borders suggested that C. filiformis does not invade and outcompete undisturbed adjacent canopy-forming algae over a 12 month period. Our results suggest that disturbance processes (possibly linked to sedimentation) acting at the site and quadrat scale are likely important determinants of C. filiformis cover and spread, and hence its potential ecological impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie E Voerman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia(1).
| | - Tim M Glasby
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Locked Bag 1, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315, Australia
| | - William Gladstone
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Paul E Gribben
- Centre for Marine BioInnovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
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Gribben PE, Nielsen S, Seymour JR, Bradley DJ, West MN, Thomas T. Microbial communities in marine sediments modify success of an invasive macrophyte. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9845. [PMID: 28852143 PMCID: PMC5575248 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive plants have extensive impacts on ecosystem function and biodiversity globally. Our inability to manage invasive species stems in part from a lack of understanding of the processes that control their successful establishment and spread. To date, studies have largely considered how above-ground processes control native/invasive plant interactions. Emerging research from terrestrial and wetland ecosystems demonstrates that below-ground processes under microbial control can determine the outcome of interactions between native and invasive plants. Whether sediment microbes modify the success of invasive macrophytes in marine ecosystems is untested, despite marine sediment microbes controlling many ecological processes (e.g. nutrient cycling) comparable to those in terrestrial ecosystems. We first show that sediment bacterial communities differ between the native seagrass Zostera capricorni and the invasive alga Caulerpa taxifolia and that those differences relate to functional changes in sulfur cycling between the macrophytes. Second, by experimentally manipulating the microbial communities we show that intact microbial communities in Z. capricorni sediments provide biotic resistance by reducing C. taxifolia fragment growth 119% compared to when they are inactive, and intact microbial communities in C. taxifolia sediments have positive feedbacks by increasing fragment growth 200%. Thus, similar to terrestrial ecosystems, microorganisms appear to indirectly control the success of invasive macrophytes in marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Gribben
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia. .,Sydney Institute of Marine Science, 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia.
| | - Shaun Nielsen
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Justin R Seymour
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology, Sydney, 2007, Australia
| | - Daniel J Bradley
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, 2007, Australia
| | - Matthew N West
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - Torsten Thomas
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
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Niche conservatism and spread of seaweed invasive lineages with different residence time in the Mediterranean Sea. Biol Invasions 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1544-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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A few is enough: a low cover of a non-native seaweed reduces the resilience of Mediterranean macroalgal stands to disturbances of varying extent. Biol Invasions 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1442-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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11
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Arnaud-Haond S, Aires T, Candeias R, Teixeira SJL, Duarte CM, Valero M, Serrão EA. Entangled fates of holobiont genomes during invasion: nested bacterial and host diversities in Caulerpa taxifolia. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:2379-2391. [PMID: 28133884 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Successful prevention and mitigation of biological invasions requires retracing the initial steps of introduction, as well as understanding key elements enhancing the adaptability of invasive species. We studied the genetic diversity of the green alga Caulerpa taxifolia and its associated bacterial communities in several areas around the world. The striking congruence of α and β diversity of the algal genome and endophytic communities reveals a tight association, supporting the holobiont concept as best describing the unit of spreading and invasion. Both genomic compartments support the hypotheses of a unique accidental introduction in the Mediterranean and of multiple invasion events in southern Australia. In addition to helping with tracing the origin of invasion, bacterial communities exhibit metabolic functions that can potentially enhance adaptability and competitiveness of the consortium they form with their host. We thus hypothesize that low genetic diversities of both host and symbiont communities may contribute to the recent regression in the Mediterranean, in contrast with the persistence of highly diverse assemblages in southern Australia. This study supports the importance of scaling up from the host to the holobiont for a comprehensive understanding of invasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Arnaud-Haond
- IFREMER, Station de Sète, UMR MARBEC, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, 34203, Sète Cedex, France.,OREME - Station Marine, Université Montpellier, 2 rue des Chantiers - CC 99009, 34200, Sète, France.,CCMAR-CIMAR, MAREE, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005 - 139, Faro, Portugal
| | - T Aires
- CCMAR-CIMAR, MAREE, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005 - 139, Faro, Portugal
| | - R Candeias
- CCMAR-CIMAR, MAREE, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005 - 139, Faro, Portugal
| | - S J L Teixeira
- CCMAR-CIMAR, MAREE, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005 - 139, Faro, Portugal
| | - C M Duarte
- RSRC (Red Sea Research Center), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Building 2, Level 3, Room 3219, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Valero
- UMI EBEA 3614, Evolutionary Biology and Ecology of Algae, CNRS, UPMC, PUCCh, UACH, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Sorbonne Universités, CS 90074, Place Georges Teissier, 29688, Roscoff Cedex, France
| | - E A Serrão
- CCMAR-CIMAR, MAREE, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005 - 139, Faro, Portugal
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Iveša L, Djakovac T, Devescovi M. Spreading patterns of the invasive Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder along the west Istrian Coast (northern Adriatic Sea, Croatia). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 107:1-7. [PMID: 25828676 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The northern Adriatic Sea represents the northernmost and thus the coldest biogeographic sector of the Mediterranean Sea. In 2004, the invasive green alga Caulerpa cylindracea was recorded for the first time in the northern Adriatic at a site of the west Istrian Coast. Until 2010, additional C. cylindracea mats have only formed up to 7 km northward from the first colonisation site. Subsequently, the alga was also recorded at sites widespread along the entire coast. Both the first 2004 colonisation event and the 2011-2014 colonisation of distant sites occurred during periods of winter seawater temperatures higher than 9 °C. In general, algal spreading was markedly slow. Approximately 10 years after the first record, C. cylindracea has affected less than 1% of the entire west Istrian coastline. The colonisation predominantly occurred in ports and urbanised bays (seaside resorts) suggesting that anthropogenic activities might enhance algal diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Iveša
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga 5, 52210 Rovinj, Croatia.
| | - Tamara Djakovac
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga 5, 52210 Rovinj, Croatia
| | - Massimo Devescovi
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga 5, 52210 Rovinj, Croatia
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Montefalcone M, Morri C, Parravicini V, Bianchi CN. A tale of two invaders: divergent spreading kinetics of the alien green algae Caulerpa taxifolia and Caulerpa cylindracea. Biol Invasions 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-015-0908-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Caronni S, Calabretti C, Delaria MA, Bernardi G, Navone A, Occhipinti-Ambrogi A, Panzalis P, Ceccherelli G. Consumer depletion alters seagrass resistance to an invasive macroalga. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0115858. [PMID: 25723466 PMCID: PMC4344340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Few field studies have investigated how changes at one trophic level can affect the invasibility of other trophic levels. We examined the hypothesis that the spread of an introduced alga in disturbed seagrass beds with degraded canopies depends on the depletion of large consumers. We mimicked the degradation of seagrass canopies by clipping shoot density and reducing leaf length, simulating natural and anthropogenic stressors such as fish overgrazing and water quality. Caulerpa racemosa was transplanted into each plot and large consumers were excluded from half of them using cages. Potential cage artifacts were assessed by measuring irradiance, scouring by leaf movement, water flow, and sedimentation. Algal invasion of the seagrass bed differed based on the size of consumers. The alga had higher cover and size under the cages, where the seagrass was characterized by reduced shoot density and canopy height. Furthermore, canopy height had a significant effect depending on canopy density. The alteration of seagrass canopies increased the spread of C. racemosa only when large consumers were absent. Our results suggest that protecting declining habitats and/or restoring fish populations will limit the expansion of C. racemosa. Because MPAs also enhance the abundance and size of fish consuming seagrass they can indirectly promote algal invasion. The effects of MPAs on invasive species are context dependent and require balancing opposing forces, such as the conservation of seagrass canopy structure and the protection of fish grazing the seagrass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Caronni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via S. Epifanio14, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Calabretti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via S. Epifanio14, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Anna Delaria
- Department of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources, University of Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, I-07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bernardi
- Marine Protected Area Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo, Via Dante 1, I-07026 Olbia (OT), Italy
| | - Augusto Navone
- Marine Protected Area Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo, Via Dante 1, I-07026 Olbia (OT), Italy
| | - Anna Occhipinti-Ambrogi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via S. Epifanio14, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Pieraugusto Panzalis
- Marine Protected Area Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo, Via Dante 1, I-07026 Olbia (OT), Italy
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- Department of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources, University of Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, I-07100 Sassari, Italy
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La Manna G, Donno Y, Sarà G, Ceccherelli G. The detrimental consequences for seagrass of ineffective marine park management related to boat anchoring. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 90:160-166. [PMID: 25467874 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile meadows are recognized as priority habitat for conservation by the EU Habitats Directive. The La Maddalena Archipelago National Park (Mediterranean Sea) P. oceanica meadow, the dominant coastal habitat of the area, is mostly threatened by boat anchoring. 12 years after the establishment of mooring fields and anchoring restrictions, a study was conducted to measure their effectiveness on the conservation of seagrass and the mitigation of anchoring damage. We found that: (i) the condition of P. oceanica was disturbed, both in the mooring fields and in control locations; (ii) mooring fields and anchoring restrictions did not show to be an efficient system for the protection of seagrass, in fact anchor scars increased after the tourist season; (iii) the mooring systems had an impact on the surrounding area of the meadow, probably due to their misuse. On the basis of these results, management recommendations for marine parks are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G La Manna
- Parco Nazionale Arcipelago di La Maddalena, La Maddalena, OT, Italy; MareTerra Onlus, Alghero, SS, Italy.
| | - Y Donno
- Parco Nazionale Arcipelago di La Maddalena, La Maddalena, OT, Italy
| | - G Sarà
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, Università degli studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - G Ceccherelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Ceccherelli G, Pinna S, Cusseddu V, Bulleri F. The role of disturbance in promoting the spread of the invasive seaweed Caulerpa racemosa in seagrass meadows. Biol Invasions 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-014-0700-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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DeYoe HR, Kowalski JL. Range extension of the macroalgae Anadyomene stellata(Wulf. In Jacquin) C. Agardh and re-appearance of Caulerpa sertularioides(S. G. Gmel.) M. Howe in the Lower Laguna Madre, Texas. SOUTHWEST NAT 2014. [DOI: 10.1894/n11-jem-02.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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